Heya!
Like the title says, I am debating whether or not to get myself a set of forward controls for my VLX600.
For some context: I stand at 6'3" with a pretty standard 34" inseam.
I like the bike a lot, recently did a 300 mile weekend trip with nearly 10 hours in the seat and it was an absolute joy.
However I couldn't help but notice that after these sorts of hours in the seats my knees and hip started complaining.
And the fact that my foot has to bend over backwards to brake without lifting my foot off of the footpeg (not a huge deal imho).
I could adjust the brake lever but that would create a lot of travel which im not super keen on.
So I have been contemplating whether or not it would be a good idea to install forward controls and if so by how much forward.
I do have a set of highway pegs on the bike attached to the engine guard, which helps but isn't entirely ideal either.
I tend to stretch my legs and lay them on my main pegs rather than use the highway pegs, but due to a lack of support under my feet I slouch in the seat that way, which is also, less than ideal haha.
My main concerns with forward controls is control of the bike.
Would love to hear Y'alls thoughts, picture of the bike for fun:
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(VLX600) To forward control, or not to forward control.
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SmeltieTop PosterYou have posted more than 20 times and have helped out other forum members along the way! You are awesome!
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I just signed up to learn about similar issues. I'm 6'4" and love a simple machine, but most of what are considered "Beginner" bikes tend to be a bit cramped for me.
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SmeltieTop PosterYou have posted more than 20 times and have helped out other forum members along the way! You are awesome!
@velojym Gosh yeah... true that.
Most lower performance machines just tend to be smaller so for fitment I am almost "forced" onto larger bikes.
My previous machine was a T509 speed triple which fit like an absolute glove.
But at over a 110hp with torque at almost all times it was too much for me, whilst I could handle the power just fine, I enjoy being able to use a bikes full potential at all times a lot more.
So the VLX600 has been such a blast, not too slow, not too fast.
I just placed an order for some forward controls after speaking with some people.
Will try and keep my post here up with my findings.
Going for 6" forward.
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TJ Admin Staff memberModeratorMember who has the rights to delete posts, and ban members form forum if they violate the rules.@Smeltie great post man, let me adress some of your statements and concerns.
you dont have to get forward controls, you can, as i do, lay my ankle on the pegs and just relax. it's how i do longer rides. you mnenbtioned doing this too. the key to this working is having bars that allow you to lean back a bit instead of slouch. You already have highway pegs but if thats not enough, perhaps the bike is just too small for you? i found that when i did away with the stock seat and bars the cockpit had a lot more room for comfort. you may want to look into changing your bars or removing the stock seat and going with a solo seat. just a thought. 😁
it really seems like the bike may be too small for your frame, or you may find the solution in forward controls. some tall guys get the forward controls and theyre super happy, others, it just doesnt cut it! i think its very much a personal preference thing!the brake - adjusting where the brake lever sits doesnt affect how long it takes to brake. the rod and nut at the brake lever on the drum do that. So you can adjust your brake lever wherever you want and still have the same adjustment on the rear brake. hope this helps!
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SmeltieTop PosterYou have posted more than 20 times and have helped out other forum members along the way! You are awesome!
Hey @TJ Thank you for the great response!
Honestly my issues are not huge as the issues don't arise until I do rather long rides and even then I managed alright.
I did look into getting something bigger but that immediately comes with significantly more weight and engine size, which I just moved away from haha.
The bike is a bit small but I've had much much worse.
I come from the moped scene myself (little 50cc bikes with pedals and shifty fifty's) so I'm no stranger to folding myself up.
As for bars, that's something I've wanted to look into as well, any bars you'd recommend for my stature?
Currently got the stock bars which are decently fine thus far.
Seat wise, I do have a pillion that loves to come along on trips, so sadly a solo seat is not an option.
The brake thing I will most definitely have to look into!
Did not know that could be done.
For now I have placed an order for some 6" forward controls that use the stock pegs.
It's not that expensive and if I end up disliking it I can always revert back to stock.
So I figured it was worth a shot!Here's a side by side of the difference with my height and inseam.
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SmeltieTop PosterYou have posted more than 20 times and have helped out other forum members along the way! You are awesome!
Heya @TJ
The forward controls came in and so far so good, the weather has been utter dog water so I haven't been able to try them too much, but I did get a short ride in.
It feels very different and definitely something to get used to, but it sure is comfortable!
I also managed to adjust the rear brake pedal, took me a second to figure out that it's just a small bolt in the pedal that acts like an endstop haha.
But yeah, so far so good, I look forward to making some more miles on it and seeing how it works out.
These are the ones from scootmods, installation was relatively easy all things considered.
The most difficult part was the mid brake rod rear bolt, holy shit that's a difficult one.
Doesn't help that the only included instructions are a written walkthrough with pretty basic: this goes there, that goes here, you'll figure it out!
I should do a video overview of these to help people when installing them to be honest.
some photos:
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SmeltieTop PosterYou have posted more than 20 times and have helped out other forum members along the way! You are awesome!
To close off this topic as a whole.
I did quite a few miles now and I absolutely love it.
It's been comfortable, relaxed and fun.
In terms of control, I don't think I lost much if any, and in terms of lean angle I seem to have gained a tiny bit.
I've definitelty changed the first point of contact from the pegs to now my foot haha.
Got some sick scrape marks on the back side of my boot from sending it down twisties with a bit too much enthausiasm.
Thanks again TJ for all the advice and help you provide all over these forums and in your videos!
I decided to also make a quick overview video to help anyone that may get stuck or needs some help with install.
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TJ Admin Staff memberModeratorMember who has the rights to delete posts, and ban members form forum if they violate the rules.
@Smeltie sounds great man! glad it worked out for you!
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